An old, dilapidated transportable classroom from Yalgoo made a six-hour journey south last year to its new location in Gosnells before being lovingly restored by an assemblage of volunteers.
The classroom, estimated to be about 40 to 50 years old, was restored over a period of at least 6000 hours and now sits pride of place as the Gosnells Community Men’s Shed new annex.
Vice-Chairman Geoff Wiltshire said the project, which took over a year to complete, was the largest attempted by the organisation.
“The extension was necessary because of the number of people wanting to participate in non-workshop activities, such as model making, music, photography and exercise groups,” he said.
“The availability of the new room will allow more existing members to participate in activities that are not workshop related, permit additional men to join and participate, and enable residents of the adjoining Amaroo McMahon Centre to be engaged in some activities.”
The project involved completely recladding the buildings’ internal and external surfaces, partially replacing the floor and laying vinyl to the whole area and installing new electrical wiring, lighting, doors and windows.
Close to $100,000 was raised from a variety of different bodies to fund the project, including the Rotary Club of Southern Districts and Bendigo Bank which were both asked for additional funds after their initial donation.
Members, partners and invited guests enjoyed a morning tea at the official opening on April 27.
